Soon, Link and Zelda were back at the castle, resting for a few days. It got very boring for the two of them, especially Link. He was not accustomed to the life that the royal family led, having people do everything for him. On top of that, he didn't have many obligations.

He spent a lot of time training where he used to practice when he was still becoming a knight. While Link was extremely skilled, he knew he needed to be even better to ensure the safety of the princess. Training was also the best thing he could think of to kill the time and keep his mind busy. Sometimes, Zelda saw him as she walked on the many pathways of the castle, or stood on a balcony. As much as she hated to admit it, he was incredibly handsome. He had a stunning figure, and that was just the beginning. Seeing him working in the sun, his chest bare due to the heat, she felt something. She just wasn't sure what it was.

After a while, the princess grew extremely bored. She decided that she was going to take it upon herself to go research an ancient shrine she had read about. Zelda decided she would try to slip past everyone and leave Link behind. She would be just fine without him! If only her father understood that.

She dressed herself in proper attire, then promptly made her way out of the castle. As she was leaving, she ran into one of her most trusted servants. Zelda decided that she would tell one person, just in case something happened. Which wasn't a possibility. She also made it very clear that she did not need the appointed knight to follow her. Then, the princess headed for the northwest.

Only a few hours later, the king went to go see his daughter. When he found out that she was not in the castle, he grew angry and frightened. He requested for Link, and scolded the boy for not knowing her whereabouts.

"You are her appointed knight! You are responsible for her! You are in charge of her safety!" Link looked at the ground, ashamed and disappointed in himself.

"I-I'm sorry, your Highness. I will go find her." The king merely nodded.

"You are dismissed."

Link sighed as he left the throne room. He had already messed up. He'd let her get away, and that was the last thing he was supposed to do. Then, he heard a quiet voice.

"Sir Link?" He turned and saw one of the princess's servants looking at him meekly. "I'm not supposed to tell you, but she headed to an ancient shrine in the northwest, in the Tabantha region." Link sighed in relief.

"Thank you."

Quickly, Link headed for the stables and mounted his horse. He made his way to his destination as fast as he could, eager to correct his mistake.

Meanwhile, Zelda was enjoying her solitude. She loved exploring on her own, and not having to worry about people around her. And this was one of the only times she was completely alone. She did feel frustration building up, though. The shrine was not opening for her. It was not supposed to, but she was desperately trying to find a way around that. There had to be something she could do...

Then, she heard the sound of a horse galloping, and as it drew closer she realized what it was. The princess groaned. As Link approached, her frustration grew. Why couldn't he leave her alone? Did anybody understand that she was fine on her own? She just wanted some time to herself, free from his constant supervision.

Link hopped off of his horse and ran toward her, relieved that he had finally found her. He felt a pit in his stomach when he realized how upset she looked.

"I thought I made it clear that I am not in need of an escort!" She paused and placed her hands on her hips, scoffing at him. "It seems I'm the only one with a mind of my own. I, the person in question, am fine, regardless of the king's orders."

Link said nothing back, only looked at her. He was only doing what he was supposed to do. Why did she dislike him so much? What was he supposed to do about it. She continued to scold him.

"Return to the castle. And tell that to my father, please." She said, sighing with exasperation and stomping off. Link knew she was unhappy, but the king would be more upset if he gave up. Link had to stay with the princess.

Zelda felt him walking behind her. She turned, even more angered.

"And stop following me!" She frowned at him. She knew that she shouldn't have been taking this anger out on him, but she couldn't help it. This new life she had been placed into without a choice was too much for her. There wasn't anything wrong with Link, but she blamed it on him because she didn't know who else to blame this on.

As she rode off on her horse. She looked behind her. Link was still there. He looked hurt, but he stayed with her. She didn't care in that moment, though. He still wouldn't follow her orders!

"Fine! I'll go home! Is that what you wanted?" Link tried to say something back, but he couldn't find any words. Zelda spoke once more. "Say something, at least! Don't just sit there and look at me like that!" Link looked down, his face red with shame and his eyes full of disappointment.

"I'm sorry." He said quietly.

As they made their way back to Central Hyrule, Zelda began to feel guilt. She shouldn't have lashed out at him like that. It was his duty to watch over her, and she was making that harder than it already was.

Why couldn't she just do what she was supposed to be doing? Why did she make everything so difficult? She was the root of everybody's problems. And to top it off, she took this all out on poor Link. She wanted to say something to him, but she felt too ashamed to even look at him. This guilt and shame only caused her to become more frustrated. The princess wondered if things would ever turn around for her and the knight.